Jul 11

Jul 11 Broken During Demonstration

Chicago, Demonstrations, Donald J. Trump, Performance, Protest, Public Declarations

Members of Chicago’s Pakistani Community scheduled a 2:00 PM demonstration in the plaza separating the Tribute Tower from the Apple Store. They hoped from downtown Chicago that they could stop the killing in Kashmir and obtain the release of Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi, who is quite the accomplished person.

Niazi served as Pakistan’s prime minister from August 2018 until April 2022, but politics isn’t Niazi’s only game. He also led the Pakistani cricket team to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup final. For most people, victory in politics and sport would be sufficient. For Niazi, those successes were not enough. He also founded Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Pakistan’s first cancer hospital.

In 2022, Niazi was removed from office through a no-confidence vote. Many believe the U.S. was behind his removal. Niazi had been pursuing closer relations with Russia and China. In May 2023, Niazi was arrested in Pakistan on corruption charges stemming from what is know at the Al-Qadir Trust case.. Following his trial, Niazi was sentenced to 14 years in prison. He currently is housed in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

In terms of effectiveness, today’s demonstration was one of the more ineffective ones I have covered. Most Americans have never heard of Niazi, nor do they know anything about the territorial dispute among India, Pakistan, and China over control of Kashmir. While the demonstrators attracted plenty of attention with their colorful flags and banners, I doubt whether the passersby left with any greater understanding of the issues that Chicago’s Pakistani Community were raising, or why those issues should concern Americans.

In fairness, I must admit I was a bit distracted because of injuries I sustained while crossing Michigan Avenue. As I walked along the median strip about to cross the northbound lane of traffic, I unknowingly stepped in a puddle of water and oil on the strip that was obscured by a cement planter box. I didn’t just slip, but fell flat on my face. Thankful my camera was undamaged, except for a couple of scratches (now battle scars). I however did not fare as well. I ripped a bloody gash through my right arm; broke one finger (and maybe another); and chipped two teeth. On Monday morning I headed to Northwestern walk-in clinic in Streeterville, where they sawed off my wedding ring before putting my broken finger into a splint. When I arrived home from the today’s demonstration, I took care of the cuts with lots of Neosporin slathered over the gash once I had cleaned it.

As for my teeth, I first looked for the two on the ground before picking myself up. Apparently both were still attached to my jawbone. I was reluctant to run my tongue over the teeth for fear of what might happen, but I concluded both were still attached. The front sides of both teeth were undamaged. The chips were on the back sides, which were not visible when Evelyn Brody (aka the wife) did a visual inspection. On Monday, the dentist was able to fix both chips for under $500. I had been expecting a $3,000 bill.

So, I finely sustained an injury at a demonstration, but fortunately it was not from an attack at the hands of an angry mob. I was a bit surprised when nobody offered me any assistance, but that is the way of the world these days.

I am evaluating the shoes that I wear when I cover demonstrations. Maybe cleats are in order.

Click on an Image to Enlarge It. The Images Are Not Necessarily in Exact Chronological Order]